Green Means Go

Gone are the days of the gas-guzzling trophy car. If you want to gain the respect of your automotively inclined peers today, you have to go green  as green as you can possibly go. And so the focus at the annual Denver Auto Show, which opens tonight at 6 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center, has also been slowly veering greenward over the past few years.

This years show floor will be crowded with electric cars, hybrids and newer model Leafs, Volts and Prius plug-ins galore, along with the usual concept cars and 2012 sneak peeks, says spokesman Jim Czupor. Also on view will be the What Will Fuel the Future? RoadShow, an interactive display that explains the differences between renewable and dinosaur energy sources using an energy time line and a look to the future of fuel. You can even join in a cocktail fundraiser for the Clear the Air Foundation tonight from 4 to 8 p.m., also at the convention center (get details at www.greencardenver.org).

But any prehistoric throwbacks neednt worry that gas-guzzlers have gone entirely the way of the dinosaur. They can still slaver over vintage racers and hot rods, classic cars, state-of-the-art motor homes and Sterling Mosss 1965 Mustang GT. And everyone who goes to the show can meet with folks who can soup up their engine, get their picture taken in a Ferrari or test-drive dozens of 2011 car models in all shapes and sizes. A driver can dream, right?

So zoom in: The Denver Auto Show runs today through Sunday, April 3, at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street; admission is $5 to $10 (children ages six and under are admitted free). For information and hours, go to www.denverautoshow.com or call 1-800-251-1563.
Wed., March 30, 6-10 p.m.; Thu., March 31, 5-10 p.m.; Fri., April 1, 12-10 p.m.; Sat., April 2, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., April 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2011

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